Firearm simulation and gaming system and method for operatively interconnecting a firearm peripheral to a computer system

ABSTRACT

A firearm simulation system according to the present invention includes a laser transmitter assembly and a computer system coupled to a display for providing a virtual target. The laser assembly emits a beam of laser light from a firearm in the form of a cross-hair toward the virtual target. The display is surrounded by detector arrays each disposed along a corresponding display edge to sense the emitted cross-hair beam. The computer system receives signals from the detector arrays and indicates the location of a simulated projectile impact location on the display. Alternatively, reflective strips may be employed to reflect portions of the cross-hair beam, while a sensing device detects the beam reflections and transmits detection information to the computer system. The computer system may further include various gaming software and enable the simulated firearm to be operatively interconnected with the game to provide enhanced interaction.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/175,829, entitled “Firearm Simulation and GamingSystem and Method for Operatively Interconnecting a Firearm Peripheralto a Computer System” and filed Jan. 13, 2000. The disclosure of thatprovisional application is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention pertains to firearm simulation and gamingsystems. In particular, the present invention pertains to a firearmsimulation system including a laser transmitter assembly attachable toan actual or simulated firearm for projecting a laser beam therefrom anda computer system coupled to a display providing a virtual target andvisually indicating simulated projectile impact locations in response tothe laser beam striking the display.

[0004] 2. Discussion of the Related Art

[0005] Firearms are utilized for a variety of purposes, such as hunting,sporting competition, law enforcement and military operations. Theinherent danger associated with firearms necessitates training andpractice in order to minimize the risk of injury. However, specialfacilities are required to facilitate practice of handling and shootingthe firearm. These special facilities basically confine projectilespropelled from the firearm within a prescribed space, thereby preventingharm to the surrounding area. Accordingly, firearm trainees are requiredto travel to the special facilities in order to participate in atraining session, while the training sessions themselves may becomequite expensive since each session requires new live ammunition forpracticing handling and shooting of the firearm.

[0006] The related art has attempted to overcome the above-mentionedproblems by utilizing laser or other light energy with actual or mockfirearms to simulate firearm operation for training purposes. Inaddition, simulation of firearm operation has been utilized forentertainment purposes, especially with respect to amusement or videotype games. These games generally employ dummy or toy firearms, or mayenable shooting by use of various computer or other input devices (e.g.,mouse, roller device, keyboard, etc.). For example, U.S. Pat. No.4,164,081 (Berke) discloses a marksman training system including atranslucent diffuser target screen adapted for producing a bright spoton the rear surface of the target screen in response to receiving alaser light beam from a laser rifle on the target screen front surface.A television camera scans the rear side of the target screen andprovides a composite signal representing the position of the light spoton the target screen rear surface. The composite signal is decomposedinto X and Y Cartesian component signals and a video signal by aconventional television signal processor. The X and Y signals areprocessed and converted to a pair of proportional analog voltagesignals. A target recorder reads out the pair of analog voltage signalsas a point, the location of which is comparable to the location on thetarget screen that was hit by the laser light beam.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,281,142 (Zaenglein, Jr.) discloses a shootingsimulation training device including a target projector for projecting atarget image in motion across a screen, a firearm or weapon having alight projector on its barrel for projecting a cross-hair light patternon the screen, a rectangular array of sensors and a microprocessor. Aninternal device lens projects the cross-hair's image from the screenonto the rectangular array to activate two horizontal and verticalsensors. The sensor information is relayed to the microprocessor fordetermining the position of the shot and displaying the relativeposition of the shot and target on a TV receiver.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,366,229 (Suzuki) discloses a shooting gamemachine including a projector for projecting a video image having atarget onto a screen. A player may fire a laser gun to emit a light beamto the target on the screen. A video camera photographs the screen andprovides its picture signal to coordinate computing means for computingthe X and Y coordinates of the beam point on the screen.

[0009] The above-described systems suffer from several disadvantages. Inparticular, the systems typically employ a projector to project anintended target on a screen. As such, the systems require additionalcomponents and circuitry to project the image and determine laser beamimpact locations on the screen, thereby increasing system complexity andcosts. Further, the systems are limited to targets projected by theprojector, thereby severely restricting system application. Moreover,the Suzuki game machine employs a laser gun to project a beam toward atarget, thereby degrading realism and generally being applicable foronly entertainment purposes.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention tofacilitate firearm training with targets generated and displayed by acomputer system.

[0011] It is another object of the present invention to employ an actualfirearm with computer games or computer generated simulations to enhancerealism.

[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to facilitate useof an actual or mock firearm as an input device to a computer system forenhanced interactivity with game or simulation software.

[0013] Still another object of the present invention is to employ anactual firearm with computer games to provide firearm training withentertainment or gaming systems.

[0014] A further object of the present invention to detect laser beamimpact locations on a computer monitor displaying computer generatedtargets for firearm training or gaming applications via a detectionsystem that easily installs on the monitor and readily connects to thecomputer system to perform the training or gaming activities.

[0015] The aforesaid objects are achieved individually and/or incombination, and it is not intended that the present invention beconstrued as requiring two or more of the objects to be combined unlessexpressly required by the claims attached hereto.

[0016] According to the present invention, a firearm simulation systemincludes a laser transmitter assembly and a computer system coupled to adisplay for providing a virtual target. The laser assembly is preferablyconfigured for attachment to a barrel of a user firearm and emits a beamof laser light in the form of a cross-hair toward the virtual target.The laser beam may be visible or invisible (e.g., infrared) and ispreferably in the form of a continuous beam that is interrupted upontrigger actuation to indicate the moment of firing and compensate forfirearm movement. Alternatively, the laser assembly may be configured totransmit the cross-hair beam in response to trigger actuation. Thedisplay is surrounded by detector arrays each disposed along acorresponding display edge to sense the emitted cross-hair beam. Thecomputer system receives signals from the detector arrays in response totrigger actuation and indicates the location of a simulated projectileimpact location on the display relative to the virtual target.Alternatively, reflective strips maybe employed to reflect portions ofthe cross-hair beam, while a sensing device detects the beam reflectionsand transmits detection information to the computer system to determinethe simulated projectile impact location and indicate that location onthe display relative to the virtual target. The computer system mayfurther include various gaming software and enable the simulated firearmto be operatively interconnected with the game to provide enhancedinteraction.

[0017] The above and still further objects, features and advantages ofthe present invention will become apparent upon consideration of thefollowing detailed description of specific embodiments thereof,particularly when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawingswherein like reference numerals in the various figures are utilized todesignate like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018]FIG. 1 is a view in perspective of a firearm simulation and gamingsystem directing a laser beam from an actual or simulated firearm onto acomputer system display according to the present invention.

[0019]FIG. 2a is an exploded view in perspective and partial section ofa laser transmitter assembly of the system of FIG. 1 fastened to thefirearm barrel.

[0020]FIG. 2b is a view in perspective of a lens for the lasertransmitter assembly of FIG. 2a.

[0021]FIG. 2c is a view in perspective of an alternative lens for thelaser transmitter assembly of FIG. 2a.

[0022]FIG. 3 is a front view in elevation of the computer system displayof FIG. 1.

[0023]FIG. 4 is a side view in partial section of a detector array ofthe system of FIG. 1.

[0024]FIG. 5 is a procedural flowchart illustrating the manner in whichthe computer system determines a simulated projectile impact locationbased on signals received from the detector arrays according to thepresent invention.

[0025]FIG. 6 is a view in perspective of an alternative embodiment ofthe system of FIG. 1 employing an additional monitor coupled to thecomputer system according to the present invention.

[0026]FIG. 7 is a front view in elevation of the computer system displayof FIG. 1 illustrating projection of a cross-hair beam and one or morerange beams from the firearm to determine a distance between the userfirearm and display according to the present invention.

[0027]FIG. 8 is a view in perspective of the system of FIG. 1 employingan alternative display device according to the present invention.

[0028]FIG. 9 is a front view in elevation of the display device of thesystem of FIG. 8 indicating simulated projectile impact locationsrelative to a virtual target.

[0029]FIG. 10 is a front view in elevation of the display device of thesystem of FIG. 8 illustrating an alternative virtual target in the formof a bull's eye.

[0030]FIG. 11 is a view in perspective of an alternative firearm andsimulation gaming system employing reflective strips and a sensingdevice to determine beam impact locations according to the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] A firearm simulation and gaming system according to the presentinvention is illustrated in FIG. 1. Specifically, the firearm simulationsystem includes a laser transmitter assembly 2 and a computer system 50having a display or monitor 54 providing a virtual target as describedbelow. The laser assembly is attached to a simulated or actual unloadeduser firearm 6 to adapt the firearm for compatibility with thesimulation system. By way of example only, firearm 6 is implemented by aconventional hand-gun and includes a trigger 7, a barrel 8, a hammer 9and a grip 15. However, the firearm may be implemented by anyconventional (e.g., hand-gun, blazer, rifle, shotgun, soft-air type gun,etc.) or simulated firearms. Laser assembly 2 includes a lasertransmitter rod 3 and a laser transmitter module 4 that emits a beam 11of visible or invisible (e.g., infrared) laser light in the form of across-hair 12 (e.g., ‘+’ configuration). Rod 3 is connected to module 4and is configured for insertion within barrel 8 to fasten the laserassembly to the barrel as described below. A user aims firearm 6 at avirtual target on monitor 54 to project laser beam 11 from laser module4 toward display screen 68. The monitor housing includes a plurality ofdetector arrays 60, 62, 64, 66 each disposed adjacent a correspondingdisplay screen edge to detect cross-hair 12 and enable computer system50 to display a simulated projectile impact location as described below.It is to be understood that the terms “top”, “bottom”, “side”, “front”,“rear”, “back”, “lower”, “upper”, “up”, “down”, “height”, “width”,“thickness”, “length”, “vertical”, “horizontal” and the like are usedherein merely to describe points of reference and do not limit thepresent invention to any specific orientation or configuration.

[0032] Computer system 50 is typically implemented by a conventionalIBM-compatible or other type of personal computer (e.g., laptop,notebook, desk top, mini-tower, Apple MacIntosh, palm pilot, etc.)preferably equipped with monitor 54, a base 52 (e.g., including theprocessor, memories, and internal or external communication devices ormodems), a keyboard 56 and a mouse 58. The mouse is preferablyimplemented by a conventional desktop mouse for simulation applications,while gaming applications typically employ a foot-controlled mouse toenable a user to provide input to a gaming application and manipulatefirearm 6. Computer system 50 includes software to enable the computersystem to provide virtual targets for simulation or gaming applicationsas described below. The computer system may utilize any of the majorplatforms such as Windows, Linux, Macintosh, Unix or OS2. Further, thesystem includes components (e.g. processor, disk storage or hard drive,etc.) having sufficient processing and storage capabilities toeffectively execute the simulation or gaming software.

[0033] An exemplary laser transmitter assembly employed by thesimulation system is illustrated in FIG. 2a. Specifically, laserassembly 2 includes laser transmitter rod 3 and laser transmitter module4. Rod 3 includes a generally cylindrical barrel member 17 and a stop 19disposed at the barrel member distal end. The barrel member is elongatedwith a tapered proximal end and has transverse cross-sectionaldimensions that are slightly less than the cross-sectional dimensions ofbarrel 8 to enable the barrel member to be inserted within the barrel.However, the barrel member may be of any shape or size to accommodatefirearms of various calibers. Adjustable rings 22, 24 are disposed aboutthe barrel member toward its proximal and distal ends, respectively. Thedimensions of each ring are adjustable to enable barrel member 17 tosnugly fit within and frictionally engage barrel 8 in a secure manner.Stop 19 is in the form of a substantially circular disk having adiameter slightly greater than the cross-sectional dimensions of barrel8 to permit insertion of rod sections proximal of the stop into thebarrel. The stop may alternatively be of any shape or size capable oflimiting insertion of the rod into the barrel. Barrel member 17 isconnected to the approximate center of a proximal surface of stop 19,while a post 21 is attached to and extends distally for a slightdistance from an approximate center of a stop distal surface. Post 21 issubstantially cylindrical and has transverse cross-sectional dimensionssimilar to those of barrel member 17, but may be of any shape or size.The post includes external threads 23 for facilitating engagement withlaser module 4 as described below.

[0034] Laser module 4 includes a housing 25 having an internallythreaded opening 10 defined in a generally cylindrical projection 28attached to and extending from an upper portion of a housing rear wall.The threaded opening receives post 21 for attaching the laser module torod 3. The housing, opening and projection maybe of any shape or size,while the opening and projection may be disposed at any suitablelocation. The laser module components are disposed within the housingand include a power source 27, typically in the form of batteries, amechanical wave sensor 29 and an optics package 31 having a laser (notshown) and a lens 33. These components maybe arranged within the housingin any suitable fashion.

[0035] The optics package emits laser beam 11 (FIG. 1) through lens 33to disperse the beam at a suitable span (e.g., thirty degrees, sixtydegrees, etc.) and project the beam in the form of cross-hair 12. Anexemplary lens 33 is illustrated in FIG. 2b. Specifically, lens 33 isimplemented by a pressed or flat lens and includes a generally circularframe 16 and a plurality of microlenses 26. The frame is basically inthe form of a cap for attachment to laser module 4 or other lasertransmitters. The microlenses each essentially function as anindependent lens and are configured to collectively manipulate the laserbeam to form a particular image. In other words, the microlenses serveas an optical mask to project laser beam 11 in the form of cross-hair12. The size of microlenses 26 determines the span angle for lens 33.

[0036] Alternatively, lens 33 may be implemented by half orsemi-cylindrical lenses as illustrated in FIG. 2c. Specifically, lens 33includes frame 16 as described above and half or semi-cylindrical lenses18, 20. The half-cylindrical lenses are arranged within the frame inorthogonal relation with lens 18 extending along a horizontal framediameter and lens 20 extending along a vertical frame diameter. Eachhalf-cylindrical lens 18, 20 reflects the beam as a line formed of aplurality of spaced dots extending along the longitudinal axis of thathalf-cylindrical lens. Thus, horizontal lens 18 projects a horizontalbeam of spaced dots, while lens 20 projects a vertical beam of spaceddots. Laser beam 11 is directed through the approximate center orintersection of the half-cylindrical lenses to project orthogonal linesfrom the laser module forming cross-hair 12. It is to be understood thatthe cross-hair may be formed by any conventional or other techniques.For example, the cross-hair may be formed by dispersing the beam andprojecting it through a mask configured to form the cross-hair.

[0037] Lens 33 is preferably constructed in the form of aninterchangeable cap for attachment to the laser module. Each lens or capmay include a different configuration to project a cross-hair havingvarying characteristics. For example, a series of lenses 33 may each beconfigured to project the beam at a different span angle to accommodateuse of the system at various ranges. Thus, lenses having greater spanangles may be utilized for close range shooting, while lenses havinglesser span angles may be utilized for shooting at greater ranges. Thelenses may be interchanged as desired to accommodate the particularshooting conditions.

[0038] Referring back to FIG. 2a, laser module 4 may operate in eitherof two modes. A first or continuous mode projects the cross-hair towarddisplay 54 (FIG. 1) or other intended target as a continuous beam thatis interrupted in response to detection of trigger actuation bymechanical wave sensor 29. Specifically, when trigger 7 is actuated,hammer 9 impacts the firearm and generates a mechanical wave whichtravels distally along barrel 8 toward rod 3. As used herein, the term“mechanical wave” or “shock wave” refers to an impulse traveling throughthe firearm barrel. Mechanical wave sensor 29 within the laser modulesenses the mechanical wave from the hammer impact and generates atrigger signal. The mechanical wave sensor may include a piezoelectricelement, an accelerometer or a solid state sensor, such as a straingauge. Optics package 31 within the laser module generates and projectslaser beam 11 from firearm 6 in the form of cross-hair 12 in response toactivation of the assembly power switch (not shown). The optics packagelaser is generally enabled continuously, and interrupted for apredetermined time interval, approximately fifty milliseconds, inresponse to the trigger signal. This enables the detector arrays totrack motion of the firearm and determine the location of the barreldespite any sudden jerks by the user during actuation, such as handmovement or recoil. The interruption interval serves as a delay toenable the detector arrays to locate the position of the barrel at themoment of firing (e.g. and not along any beam streaks or lines producedfrom recoil or other firearm movement). Alternatively, the laser modulemay include an acoustic sensor to sense actuation of the trigger andenable interruption of the laser beam.

[0039] The second or pulsed mode of laser module operation projects thecross-hair toward display 54 (FIG. 1) or other intended target as alaser pulse in response to detection of trigger actuation by mechanicalwave sensor 29. Specifically, the mechanical wave sensor senses triggeractuation and generates a trigger signal as described above. Opticspackage 31 within the laser module generates and projects laser beam 11from firearm 6 in the form of cross-hair 12 in response to the triggersignal. The optics package laser is generally enabled for apredetermined time interval, preferably in the range of 500-1,000microseconds, to transmit the beam in the form of a pulse. The lasermodule when operating in the pulsed mode is similar in function to thelaser device disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/486,342,entitled “Network-Linked Laser Target Firearm Training System” and filedFeb. 25, 2000, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety. The laser assembly may be constructed of anysuitable materials and may be fastened to firearm 6 at any suitablelocations by any conventional or other fastening techniques.

[0040] Exemplary detector arrays for sensing the cross-hair emitted fromfirearm 6 are illustrated in FIGS. 3-4. Specifically, detector arrays60, 62, 64, 66 are each approximately one-quarter inch deep and aredisposed on the display housing adjacent a corresponding edge (e.g.,top, bottom and side edges) of display screen 68. The positions of thedetector arrays generally provide an unobstructed view of the screen andenable correlation between a detected beam position and a location onthe screen in response to detecting cross-hair 12. The detector arraypositions further cover any angular position of firearm 6 and enabledetection of three degrees of movement. Each detector array includes asubstantially rectangular casing housing a plurality of photodetectors70 (e.g., typically 100, 256 or 512 photodetectors) that are configuredto detect cross-hair 12.

[0041] The photodetectors are placed adjacent each other within eachcasing and are spaced apart by a distance less than the width of thehorizontal and vertical beams forming cross-hair 12. This enables atleast one photodetector within each detector array to detect the emittedcross-hair. Each array casing includes a substantially transparentcovering 72 to protect photodetectors 70. The array casings mayadditionally include a filter to improve the signal to noise ratio ofthe incoming laser beam for enhanced detection accuracy. The detectorarrays are typically prealigned with the screen, thereby enabling systemoperation without calibration. The photodetectors may be implemented byany conventional detectors capable of detecting the laser beam.

[0042] The cross-hair is projected by the lens typically at a dispersionangle of approximately thirty degrees to enable the cross-hair to impactthe arrays. However, the dispersion angle may be any desired anglecapable of enabling detection by the detector arrays, and is generallyselected based upon the distance from and size of the display. Firearm 6is aimed and operated to project cross-hair 12 at a virtual target ondisplay screen 68. The dispersion of the projected beam is sufficient toenable each end of the cross-hair vertical and horizontal lines toimpact a detector array 60, 62, 64, 66. The arrays are generallyconnected to a serial port of the computer system with each arrayproviding a signal indicating the particular photodetector(s) sensingcross-hair 12. The computer system correlates the impacted photodetectorpositions with the display screen to determine a simulated impactlocation on the screen as described below.

[0043] The detector arrays may be configured for use with visible orinvisible energy. When visible laser light is projected from firearm 6,a user has the additional benefit of utilizing the visible cross-hairfor aiming the firearm during the continuous mode of operation, whilethe photodetectors and system function as described above. In the eventinvisible energy (e.g., infrared or microwave) is emitted from thefirearm, the user relies only on the firearm sighting, while thedetectors sense the emitted energy as described above to enable thecomputer system to determine a simulated projectile impact location.

[0044] The computer system may include various gaming or simulationsoftware to provide virtual targets for a user, while the arrays detectthe laser beam and enable determination of an impact location. Thearrays are preferably connected to the computer system serial port toprovide detection information. Further, the computer system may includeany pre-existing or commercially available gaming software, while thedetectors operatively interconnect the firearm to that game. The firearmthus takes the form of a computer peripheral and replaces the functionsof a mouse, typically utilized in games to strike a target. Since a useris distanced from the computer system and is holding the firearm, footmouse 58 (FIG. 1) is employed during gaming applications to enable theuser to navigate through game software.

[0045] The detector arrays may further provide additional features forthe computer system software, such as displaying moving or stationarytargets or displaying a tracking pattern for moving targets. Thesefeatures may be utilized for new games or with existing games havingmouse type inputs. Moreover, the detector arrays may enable sensing of athird degree of motion (e.g., depth) to provide enhanced realism of thegaming or simulated virtual targets. A software module may be loadedinto the computer system to enable this additional degree of motion tobe incorporated into the game or simulation. In addition, the virtualtargets may be scaled to provide actual shooting conditions when theuser is positioned a scaled distance from the target.

[0046] The detector arrays essentially operatively interconnect thefirearm with the computer system for simulation or gaming operations.The computer system processes signals to determine simulated projectileimpact locations as illustrated, by way of example only, in FIG. 5.Specifically, the detector arrays sense cross-hair 12 and providesignals in response to trigger actuation to computer system 50 (FIG. 1).During the continuous mode of operation, the array signals indicate thelast photodetectors sensing the beam prior to the beam interruption,while in the pulsed mode of operation the array signals indicate thephotodetectors sensing the beam emitted in response to triggeractuation. Each array signal, by way of example only, may be in the formof a data word having a plurality of bits each associated with and setwhen a corresponding photodetector senses the beam. Computer system 50retrieves an array signal at step 80 and determines the impactedphotodetectors within the array at step 82. If more than onephotodetector had been impacted within the array as determined at step84, the beam impact position between photodetectors is determined atstep 86 utilizing a particular technique. For example, the beam positionmay be determined to be the midpoint between the photodetectors sensingthe beam. When a single array photodetector senses the beam, thecomputer system determines the photodetector location within the arrayat step 88, thereby providing a beam position. The computer systemsubsequently processes the signal from each detector in substantiallythe same manner described above.

[0047] When each detector array signal has been processed as determinedat step 90, the computer system utilizes beam positions within eacharray to determine a center or intersection point (e.g., the point wherethe cross-hair components intersect) of the cross-hair and correlatesthat position with the screen, thereby providing a simulated projectileimpact location at step 92. The location is then passed to thesimulation or gaming software for processing and display at step 93. Theprocess is repeated until the system is shut down as determined at step94. The above-described procedure is typically implemented by a softwaremodule that may be included within newly developed applications or beused as an interface to existing gaming applications, thereby replacingthe mouse interface software for those applications.

[0048] The system further allows a user to shoot at varying side anglesrelative to the display screen while providing accurate projectileimpact information. The computer system basically processes thedetection information received from the detectors to adjust the impactlocation for the particular side angle of a shot. The computer systemand detector arrays may further enable measurement of various firearmcharacteristics during trigger actuation. For example, the system maydetermine the angle or cant of the firearm at the moment of firing.Specifically, computer system 50 (FIG. 1) retrieves the detector arraysignals and determines the particular photodetectors sensing the beam inresponse to trigger actuation as described above. When the firearm ispositioned without any cant or angular deviation (e.g., as shown in FIG.1), similarly positioned photodetectors within respective arrays 60,64and 62,66 sense cross-hair 12. However, a firearm positioned at an angleenables differently situated photodetectors within respective arrays 60,64 and 62, 66 to sense the beam. Accordingly, the cant of the firearm isproportional to the deviation between the positions of photodetectors inrespective arrays 60, 64 and 62, 66 sensing cross-hair 12. The computersystem determines those deviations based on the detector array signalsand calculates the cant or angular deviation of the firearm for displayto the user.

[0049] In addition, the system may measure the velocity of the barrelduring recoil to provide an indication of user control of the firearmThis feature is preferably utilized during the continuous mode of laseroperation. In particular, computer system 50 (FIG. 1) retrieves thedetector array signals and determines the particular photodetectorssensing the beam in response to trigger actuation as described above.The computer system determines the initial position of the barrel basedon the detector array signals, and subsequently samples or retrievessignals from the detector arrays at predetermined sampling intervals(e.g., one-hundred microseconds). Generally, the recoil of the firearmforces the barrel upward, thereby enabling successive upwardly adjacentphotodetectors within arrays 60, 64 to sense the beam. The computersystem samples the detector arrays until cessation of the upward motionof the barrel is determined. This is usually identified by the sampledsignals indicating that the topmost photodetectors within arrays 60, 64sense the beam (e.g., indicating that the recoil forced the beam beyondthe display), or that barrel motion has ceased or commenced downward(e.g., user resistance ceases barrel upward motion with the same orsuccessive downwardly adjacent photodetectors sensing the beam). Thus,the uppermost photodetectors within arrays 60, 64 sensing the beamindicate the distance traveled by the barrel during recoil or triggeractuation.

[0050] When cessation of upward barrel motion is detected, the computersystem determines the deviation between the positions of photodetectorssensing the initial beam at firing and those sensing the beam atcessation or the topmost point of the upward barrel motion. Thisprovides the distance the barrel traveled, while the specific samplinginterval corresponding to detecting cessation of barrel upward motionindicates the amount of time elapsed for the barrel to travel thedistance. In other words, since the detector arrays are sampled atpredetermined intervals, the elapsed time is equal to the quantity oftimes the detector arrays are sampled to detect ceased upward barrelmotion multiplied by the duration of the predetermined interval. Thevelocity is subsequently determined based on the elapsed time anddistance traveled, and is displayed for the user. Generally, the lesserthe barrel velocity, the greater the control exhibited over the firearmby the user.

[0051] Computer system 50 may be connected to a Local (LAN) or Wide AreaNetwork (WAN), such as the Internet, for various applications. Forexample, software providing various gaming and other virtual targets maybe downloaded from a site on the network to the computer system toenable simulation of a variety of firearm activities. Further, aplurality of computer systems 50 may communicate with each other overthe network to facilitate training or competition with other userslocated at different remote locations. Moreover, the network may enableexperts to remotely view the impact location results and providefeedback on-line to a user. In addition, computer system 50 may includea camera, while the network enables an expert to remotely view a useroperating the firearm on-line and provide feedback to the user toenhance the user skill level.

[0052] The system may further include an additional display or monitoras illustrated in FIG. 6. Initially, computer system 50 and detectorarrays 60, 62, 64, 66 are substantially similar to and function insubstantially the same manner as the computer system and detector arraysdescribed above, except that the detector arrays are mounted on anadditional monitor 55. Specifically, monitor 55 is connected to a videoport of computer system 50 via a video cable 51, while detector arrays60, 62, 64, 66 are disposed on monitor 55 adjacent the edges of themonitor display screen and are connected to a port (e.g., serial,parallel, USB, etc.) of that computer system via a cable 53. The virtualtarget is displayed on monitors 54 and 55, where a user aims firearm 6toward monitor 55 and projects a cross-hair beam toward the targetdisplayed on that monitor. The detector arrays detect the beam impactand provide detection information to the computer system to determinethe beam impact location as described above. The beam impact locationmay be displayed on monitors 54, 55 during system operation. Theadditional monitor enables the system to utilize different types ofmonitors or monitors having greater dimensions than those employed bythe computer system. Moreover, the additional monitor enables aninstructor to control training via computer system 50, while a traineeperforms a firearm activity commanded by the instructor on additionalmonitor 55. Thus, an instructor may control the activity and view theperformance of the trainee during the activity at computer system 50. Inaddition, any quantity of additional monitors and corresponding detectorarrays may be employed, where computer system 50 effectively serves as ahost to display targets and process detector information from eachmonitor to accommodate plural users for a firearm activity.

[0053] The gaming system may further serve as a complete sport enablingusers to train as well as compete. In particular, computer system 50(FIG. 1) may connect to other systems and/or a host site on a web ornetwork server. Several participants may engage in a competition from aremote location, thereby eliminating the travel and arrangementsnormally associated with such an event. Each participant utilizes acomputer system that communicates with a host site to transferinformation relating to that participant's performance and theperformance of others.

[0054] In order to ensure that a user is an appropriate distance fromscreen 68, especially during a competition, the simulation and gamingsystem may determine a user range as illustrated in FIG. 7.Specifically, detector arrays 60, 62, 64, 66 are disposed about screen68 of monitor 54 as described above to detect beam 11 emitted fromfirearm 6. The laser module lens is modified to produce cross-hair 12and an additional horizontal range line 5. Cross-hair 12 indicates asimulated projectile impact location as described above, while rangeline 5 is utilized to determine user distance. The detector arrays sensecross-hair 12 and range line 5 and provide detector array signals tocomputer system 50 as described above. Cross-hair 12 and range line 5are emitted from firearm 6 through lens 33. The lens has an angle ofdispersion enabling the cross-hair and range line to deviate from eachother on screen 68 in proportion to the distance between the firearm anddisplay. The lens is configured to project range line 5 in a mannerenabling the range line to deviate from the cross-hair in a certaindirection (e.g., the range line may be projected above or below thecross-hair horizontal component). Computer system 50 processes thedetector array signals to determine the range line and cross-hair impactlocations and the distance or deviation between the cross-hairhorizontal component and range line. The cross-hair and range line arediscernable to the computer system based on the predetermined deviationdirection of the range line relative to the cross-hair. For example,when the lens is configured to project the range line above thehorizontal cross-hair component (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7), thephotodetectors sensing the range line within arrays 60, 64 arepositioned closer to the screen upper edge than the photodetectorssensing the horizontal cross-hair component.

[0055] Computer system 50 determines user range based on the measureddeviation and the lens dispersion angle, and further determines thesimulated projectile impact location as described above based ondetection of cross-hair 12 (e.g., cross-hair 12 indicates the simulatedprojectile impact location). If the user is not separated from screen 68for at least the prescribed distance for a scaled target or acompetition event, the computer system may inform the user via visual oraudio indications. Thus, this technique enables users at differentlocations to participate in a joint competition or match under the sameconditions, while providing individual or competing users with anindication of using scaled targets at the proper distances.

[0056] Alternatively, the lens may be configured to project additionalrange lines for determining the user distance. By way of example, thelens may project cross-hair 12 and horizontal range lines 5, 14 thatdeviate from the cross-hair horizontal component in a certain directionas described above. Range line 5 is projected closer to the cross-hairhorizontal component and is primarily utilized for greater userdistances. Range line 14 is projected further from the cross-hairhorizontal component and is preferably utilized for close distances.Dual range lines are employed to ensure that at least one range line isdetected at varying user distances (e.g., the range line deviationsincrease with greater user distances such that range line 14 may notimpact screen 68). The computer system determines the impact locationsof the range lines and cross-hair based on the detector array signalsand deviation directions of the range lines, and calculates thedeviations and user distance as described above. Any quantity of rangelines maybe projected at any desired orientations (e.g., vertical,horizontal, etc.) and directions to determine the user range. Further,additional cross-hairs may be projected by the lens to serve as rangelines in the manner described above. Alternatively, range may bedetermined by employing ultrasound techniques as disclosed in abovereferenced U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/486,342.

[0057] The firearm simulation and gaming system of FIG. 1 may employ analternative display as illustrated in FIGS. 8-10. Specifically, computersystem 50 is connected to a substrate 96 (e.g., paper, plastic,cardboard, etc.) via a communication line (e.g., RS232, etc.) or othercommunications device (e.g., utilizing infrared, RF, etc.). Thesubstrate has a thickness of approximately one eighth inch and containselectronic ink to display a target and simulated projectile impactlocations. Briefly, electronic ink is a colored liquid includingnumerous spheres, commonly referred to as “microcapsules”. Eachmicrocapsule includes a clear shell having a colored dye and whitechips. The microcapsule is disposed between two conductive layers (e.g.,electrodes) to control movement of the microcapsules. Thus, eachmicrocapsule may be controlled to display white or the dye based on thecharges applied by the electrodes, thereby enabling the substrate tobasically function as a monochrome type display.

[0058] Computer system 50 controls substrate 96 to display a virtualtarget, such as target 98. The substrate may be suspended from astructure 97, such as a wall. Detector arrays 60, 62, 64, 66 aredisposed adjacent a corresponding substrate edge to detect cross-hair 12and provide information enabling computer system 50 to determine asimulated projectile impact location as described above. In response todetermining an impact location, computer system 50 controls substrate 96to display impact locations 99 (FIG. 9) on the substrate. Further, thetarget and impact locations may simultaneously be displayed on screen68. The computer system may control the substrate to display variousstationary targets, such as bull's eye 91 and overlying cross-hair 95 asillustrated in FIG. 10. In addition, the system may determine userdistance, firearm cant and barrel recoil velocity as described above.

[0059] Operation of the firearm simulation and gaming system isdescribed with reference to FIGS. 1 and 8. Initially, laser transmitterrod 3 is connected to laser module 4 and inserted into barrel 8 offirearm 6 as described above. The laser module may operate in either acontinuous or pulsed mode. The continuous mode generates a continuouslaser beam that is interrupted in response to depression of firearmtrigger 7. The duration of the interruption is sufficient to enable thephotodetectors to determine the position of the barrel at the moment oftrigger actuation, despite sudden movements of the firearm. The pulsedmode of operation generates a laser pulse in response to triggeractuation. The duration of the pulse is in the approximate range of500-1,000 microseconds. A user operates computer system 50 to executethe appropriate software and display a virtual target on screen 68. Thesoftware may include new or current software providing stationary ormoving targets as described above. Alternatively, computer system 50 maydisplay a stationary virtual target on substrate 96 disposed on asupport structure 97 as described above. Detector arrays 60, 62, 64, 66are disposed about the edges of screen 68 or substrate 96 to determine asimulated projectile impact location as described above.

[0060] The user is positioned at an appropriate distance from screen 68or substrate 96 and operates the firearm to direct laser beam 11 in theform of cross-hair 12 from the firearm toward a virtual target. Thedetector arrays sense the cross-hair beam and provide information to thecomputer system in response to trigger actuation to enable determinationof the simulated projectile impact location as described above. Thelocation may be displayed on screen 68 and/or substrate 96. Further, thelocation may be passed to gaming software for processing when thecomputer system is executing gaming applications. Moreover, computersystem 50 may be connected to a network, such as the Internet, forfacilitating matches between participants located at different remotelocations. In addition, the system may determine a user distance,firearm cant and/or recoil barrel velocity as described above andprovide this information to the user.

[0061] An alternative embodiment of the firearm simulation and gamingsystem employing reflective strips and a sensing device to detect laserbeam impact locations according to the present invention is illustratedin FIG. 11. Initially, computer system 50 is substantially similar toand has substantially the same components (e.g., base, keyboard, monitorand desktop or foot controlled mouse, etc.) as the computer systemdescribed above for FIG. 1. Further, firearm 6 and laser transmitterassembly 2 are substantially similar to and function in substantiallythe same manner as the firearm and laser transmitter assembly describedabove, where the laser transmitter assembly is preferably utilized inthe pulsed mode and projects a laser beam in the form of cross-hair 12in response to firearm actuation. Reflective strips 110, 112, 114, 116are disposed on monitor 54 adjacent a corresponding edge (e.g., top,bottom and side edges) of display screen 68 in substantially the samemanner as the detector arrays described above. Each strip typicallyextends at least the length of the corresponding display screen edge andhas a width sufficient to allow the strip to be disposed within thespace defined between the display screen and corresponding monitor edge.The projection of the cross-hair beam from the laser transmitterassembly is sufficient to enable a portion of the cross-hair verticaland horizontal components to impact a reflective strip 110, 112, 114,116. The strips may be constructed of any suitable reflective materialthat sufficiently reflects the laser beam to enable detection of thereflected portions by the sensing device.

[0062] Sensing device 100 is preferably connected to a Universal SerialBus (USB) port of computer system 50 via a cable 102. The sensing deviceis typically implemented by a sensory image type camera employingcharge-coupled devices (CCD) or CMOS, such as an Intel Easy PC camera.However, the sensing device may be implemented by any type of light orimage sensing device and may be connected to computer system 50 via anytype of port (e.g., serial, parallel, USB, etc.). Sensing device 100 istypically situated a sufficient distance from monitor 54 to allow thedevice to capture an image of the monitor including display screen 68and reflective strips 110, 112, 114, 116. A stand for the sensing deviceis typically provided to support the device proximate monitor 54 and atan appropriate angle to facilitate the capture of images including thedisplay screen and reflective strips. The sensing device typically has aspeed or rate of thirty frames per second and repeatedly captures animage of the display screen and reflective strips and provides imageinformation to the computer system at that rate. In other words, animage containing the display screen and the reflective strips iscaptured by the sensing device and provided to the computer systemwithin a frame approximately thirty times per second. Alternatively, thesensing device may detect the location of beam impact on the reflectivestrips and include a signal processor and associated circuitry toprovide impact location information to computer system 50 forprocessing. This information may be in the form of X and Y coordinatesfor each impact location on the reflective strips, or the X and Ycoordinates of a beam impact location on the virtual target (e.g.,center or intersection point of the cross-hair) as determined by thesignal processor from the impact locations on the reflective strips.

[0063] The image characteristics of the sensing device enable the deviceto capture images of the display screen and reflective strips and anychanges thereto (e.g., reflections of cross-hair beam impacts) occurringbetween successive frame transmissions. Thus, the sensing devicefacilitates detection of beam impact from laser transmitters having apulse duration less than the frame rate (e.g., pulse durations as low asapproximately one millisecond). The computer system may measure thepulse duration of a laser transmitter based on the quantity ofsucceeding frames containing a laser pulse. The system and lasertransmitter assembly are typically configured for laser pulses having aduration of approximately six milliseconds, where the system providesmessages to a user when lasers having other pulse durations areutilized. The sensing device performs an internal initializationsequence where the frame rate is initially low and increases to theoperational rate (e.g., approximately thirty frames per second).Computer system 50 measures the sensing device frame rate (e.g.,determines the quantity of frames received per second) and delays systemoperation until the sensing device attains the operational rate.Calibrations are further performed by the system to align the sensingdevice with the display screen and reflective strips, to define thedisplay screen within the captured images and to adjust for ambientlight conditions as described below.

[0064] Computer system 50 includes software to control system operationand provide a virtual target on display screen 68 for training or gamingapplications as described above. The computer system monitors beamimpact locations on the reflective strips to determine the beam impactlocation relative to the virtual target. Initially, the computer systemperforms a mechanical calibration and a system calibration. Themechanical calibration generally facilitates alignment of the sensingdevice with the display screen, reflective strips and computer system,while the system calibration enables determination of parameters forsystem operation. In particular, the computer system preferably displaysa mechanical calibration graphical user screen including alignmentindicia (e.g., a cross-hair) and a window displaying the captured imagesto initiate the mechanical calibration. The computer system basicallyupdates the captured image displayed in the window with successivecaptured images as they are received from the sensing device. Themechanical calibration screen further displays position indicia (e.g.,horizontal and vertical lines, cross hair, etc.) that are generallysimilar to the alignment indicia and overlaid with the received capturedimages within the window. The user adjusts the position of sensingdevice 100 such that the device captures images of the display screenand reflective strips and the alignment indicia of the captured imagesare substantially coincident or aligned with the overlaid positionindicia in the window. The user informs computer system 50 of completionof the mechanical calibration in order to enable the computer system toinitiate the system calibration.

[0065] The system calibration defines the display screen within thecaptured images and enables computer system 50 to adapt to ambient lightconditions. In particular, the computer system displays a systemcalibration graphical user screen preferably including a virtual targetand a window displaying the captured images to initiate display screendefinition within the captured images. The computer system basicallyupdates the captured image displayed in the window with successivecaptured images as they are received from the sensing device asdescribed above. The system calibration screen further displayscoordinates of a selected location within the window and screen inputmechanisms (e.g., arrows, buttons, etc.) to enable a user to selectivelyadjust the displayed coordinates. Basically, sensing device 100 faces,but is typically positioned below, display screen 68 of monitor 54.Accordingly, the sensing device captures images of the monitor,including the display screen and reflective strips, having an upwardviewing angle. This angle causes the sensing device to produce generallytrapezoidal images of the monitor, where the lower section of themonitor within each captured image has greater transverse dimensionsthan those of the monitor upper section within the produced images. Thecomputer system compensates for the device viewing angle and requeststhe user to indicate, preferably via a mouse or other input device, thecorners of the display screen within the window of the systemcalibration screen. The coordinates for a corner designated by a userare displayed on the screen, where the user may selectively adjust thecoordinates. This process is repeated for each corner to define forcomputer system 50 the display screen within the captured images.Alternatively, the computer system may display indicia (e.g., coloreddots or other shapes) at the corners of the display screen to enable thecomputer system to automatically identify the display screen within thecaptured images based upon identification and location of the providedindicia. The computer system basically correlates the captured imageswith the display screen and virtual target as viewed by the user todetermine the beam impact locations. In other words, the computer systemcompensates for the viewing angle of the sensing device with respect tothat of the user to appropriately correlate the area captured by thesensing device with the display screen.

[0066] The system sensitivity to the emitted beam and ambient lightconditions may be selectively adjusted by the user or may be determinedby computer system 50 based upon measured conditions. Basically, thecomputer system determines a laser luminance or density value of beamimpact locations on the reflective strips from the captured imageinformation received from the sensing device. Specifically, eachcaptured image includes a plurality of pixels each associated with red(R), green (G) and blue (B) values to indicate the color and luminanceof that pixel. The red, green and blue values for each pixel aremultiplied by a respective weighting factor and summed to produce apixel density. In other words, the pixel density may be expressed asfollows.

Pixel Density=(R×Weight1)+(G×Weight2)+(B×Weight3)

[0067] where Weight1, Weight2 and Weight3 are weighting values that maybe selected in any fashion to enable the system to identify beam impactlocations on the reflective strips within the captured images. Therespective weights may have the same or different values and may be anytypes of values (e.g., integer, real, etc.). Beam locations on thereflective strips are considered to occur within pixels of the capturedimage that have a density value exceeding a threshold value. However,since a cross-hair is projected by the laser transmitter, severallocations along each reflective strip are impacted by the beam. As such,the density values of a plurality of image pixels may exceed thethreshold and identify several beam impact locations along each strip.The computer system correlates the identified beam impact locationswithin each strip as described below to determine a representativelocation of the beam impact for that strip. The representative locationsof each strip are utilized to determine the center or intersection pointof the cross-hair and the beam impact location on the display screenrelative to the virtual target.

[0068] Since images from the sensing device are being repeatedlycaptured and transmitted to the computer system at the sensing deviceoperational rate (e.g., approximately thirty frames per second), certaincaptured images may not contain any beam impact detections. Accordingly,the threshold basically controls the system sensitivity to the emittedbeam in relation to the ambient light, and enables the system todetermine the presence of beam impact locations on the reflective stripswithin a captured image. The threshold is generally increased to reducethe quantity of false hits detected by the system during systemoperation. The computer system determines maximum and average densityvalues from the captured image pixel values and adjusts the thresholdaccordingly. The pixel density values of each captured image mayadditionally be accumulated and/or averaged to provide an indication ofthe ambient light condition or luminance.

[0069] During system calibration, the computer system displays aluminance graphical user screen including a virtual target and varioussystem parameters. The computer system requests the user to actuatefirearm 6 and project a beam onto the target. Alternatively, thecalibration may utilize data collected during system operation asdescribed below. The computer system receives captured images from thesensing device and determines the detection speed of the sensing device,the ambient light condition and the laser density threshold as describedabove. These parameters are preferably displayed in the form of colorcoded bar displays indicating the parameter values in terms of apercentage (e.g., a percentage of the maximum acceptable values for theparameters). However, the values may be displayed in any desiredfashion. Further, the luminance user screen displays horizontal andvertical positional offsets that may be utilized by the computer systemto determine beam impact locations. The determined threshold value aswell as any desired positional offsets (e.g., horizontal and/orvertical) may be selectively adjusted by the user via the mouse or otherinput device.

[0070] The computer system may automatically determine the threshold inthe manner described above in response to detecting changes in lightconditions during system operation. In particular, the computer systemdetermines density values for the pixels of each captured image duringsystem operation. The values are accumulated and/or averaged to providea lighting value representing the ambient light condition. If thelighting value achieves levels outside an acceptable range, computersystem 50 interrupts system operation to determine a new thresholdvalue. The computer system typically waits for the light conditions toproduce acceptable lighting values prior to determining a new threshold.The settings determined by the calibrations and/or selected by the usermay be stored by the computer system for later utilization by thesystem, thereby obviating the need to re-calibrate the system whenconditions remain in substantially the same state (e.g., lightingcondition, position of the sensing device, etc.). The mechanical andsystem calibrations are typically performed at system initialization,but may be initiated by a user via computer system 50.

[0071] Once the calibrations are completed, a user may commence atraining or gaming activity and project the laser beam cross-hair imagefrom the firearm toward a virtual target displayed on the monitordisplay screen. Sensing device 100 captures images and transmits thecaptured images to computer system 50 for processing. The computersystem processes the captured images to determine beam impact locationson the reflective strips. Specifically, each captured image receivedfrom the sensing device includes a plurality of pixels each associatedwith red (R), green (G) and blue (B) values to indicate the color andluminance of that pixel as described above. The red, green and bluevalues for each pixel are multiplied by a respective weighting factorand summed to produce a pixel density as described above.

[0072] Since the reflective strips are positioned at the display screenperimeter, the computer system may analyze the portions of the capturedimages residing outside the area defined within the images for thedisplay screen. Thus, processing time is significantly reduced due tothe computer system examining a selected and substantially reducedportion of each image. Specifically, the computer system examinesdensity values of pixels within a captured image that are locatedoutside the area defined for the display screen. As discussed above,this area of the captured image primarily includes the reflectivestrips. If a pixel within the selected area of a captured image has adensity value that exceeds the threshold, that pixel is considered bythe system to contain a portion of the cross-hair beam impacting thedisplay screen. If the density value of each pixel in the selected areais less than the threshold, the captured image is not considered toinclude a beam impact. The projection of a cross-hair basically resultsin several impact locations along each reflective strip. Accordingly,the computer system identifies each pixel within a strip containing aportion of the cross-hair beam, and determines the coordinates (e.g., Xand Y coordinates) of those pixels within the captured image. Thecomputer system processes the coordinates of the identified pixels todetermine coordinates within the captured image of a representativelocation of the beam impact within each strip. This may be accomplishedby applying an averaging or other desired function to the identifiedpixel coordinates (e.g., multiply by weights, select the pixel nearestthe display screen, etc.). The representative location coordinates foreach strip are subsequently processed to compensate for the sensingdevice viewing angle. In other words, the captured image coordinates ofthe representative impact locations of each strip are converted from agenerally trapezoidal image produced by the sensing device viewing angleto coordinates within a generally rectangular image representing theview of the user and the display screen. The computer systemsubsequently determines the impact location of the laser beam on thedisplay screen from the converted coordinates in substantially the samemanner described above in relation to detector position within thedetector arrays. In other words, the converted coordinates are utilizedto determine the location of the center or intersection point of thecross-hair beam, thereby indicating the beam impact location on thedisplay screen. The resulting coordinates are provided to the gaming orsimulation software for display or other actions as described above forthe detector array system.

[0073] In addition, the computer system may determine the pulse width ofthe laser beam as described above and provide messages in response to auser utilizing a laser having an unsuitable pulse width with respect tothe system configuration. The system preferably is configured for lasertransmitters emitting a pulse having a duration of six milliseconds, andcan be utilized with laser pulses having a duration as low as onemillisecond. However, the system may be utilized and/or configured foroperation with laser transmitters having any desired pulse width.

[0074] The reflective strip system may accommodate users projecting thelaser beam at varying side angles relative to the display screen whilemaintaining accuracy of the impact location. The computer systembasically determines the impact locations on the strips as describedabove and applies compensation factors to account for the angle.Further, the system may detect firearm range or user distance to thevirtual target by projecting and detecting additional range lines oremploying ultrasound techniques in substantially the same mannerdescribed above.

[0075] In addition, the reflective strip system may determine a cantangle of the firearm based on coordinates of representative beam impactlocations on each reflective strip. These coordinates may be processedin substantially the same manner described above in relation to detectorposition within the detector arrays to determine the cant angle.Alternatively, the reflective strip system may determine a cant angle ofthe firearm based on information corresponding to beam impact locationson a reflective strip. In particular, when a user orients firearm 6 atan angle and projects a cross-hair beam onto the reflective strips, aseries of pixels associated with each reflective strip within thecaptured image is identified as containing a portion of the cross-hairbeam as described above. The identified pixels of each strip form a linethat is oriented transversely along that strip at an angle similar tothe cant angle of the firearm. In other words, the cant angle is relatedto the line formed by identified pixels relative to a transverse axis ofthat strip. Thus, the cant angle may be determined by trigonometricfunctions based on the length of that line serving as a hypotenuse of aright triangle and the transverse axis of the strip or strip widthserving as a leg of the right triangle. The angle between the leg andhypotenuse represents the cant angle and may be determined as the anglehaving a cosine value equal to the length of the leg divided by thelength of the hypotenuse. The cant angles determined from each strip maybe combined in any fashion (e.g., averaged, select a single angle orstrip, etc.) to determine the overall cant angle of the firearm.

[0076] The reflective strip system may further determine the barrelvelocity of the firearm as described above by tracking the barrelposition or beam impact locations along the reflective strips within thecaptured images. The pulse width of the laser for this measurement ispreferably substantially greater than the sensing device frame rate.Basically, the computer system determines an initial location of thebeam impact within the vertical strips and subsequently determines thedistance along the vertical strips that the detected beam impactlocations travel. When the beam impact locations are beyond the stripsor upward motion of the barrel ceases as determined from the beam impactlocations within the captured images, the quantity of frames receiveduntil detection of either of these events provides the elapsed time(e.g., since a frame is received approximately every thirty-threemilliseconds, the quantity of frames multiplied by the frame rateprovides the elapsed time). Further, the distance traveled along thevertical reflective strips may be determined by the coordinates of theinitial and final beam impact locations within the captured images. Thevelocity is determined based on the resulting distance and elapsed time.Alternatively, this measurement may be utilized with the lasertransmitter having a shorter defined pulse width. Basically, since thesensing device captures all changes in the image between successiveframe transmissions, the captured image contains any movement of thefirearm during firearm actuation. The captured images may be examined asdescribed above by the computer system to determine the movement of ordistance traveled by beam impact locations on the vertical strips duringthe laser beam transmission. This may be determined based on pixelcoordinates of initial and final beam impact locations as describedabove. The velocity maybe determined based on the distance traveled bythe impact location during the time or duration of the laser pulse. Inother words, the velocity may be determined based on the determineddistance traveled and the pulse width of the laser beam.

[0077] The reflective strip system may further employ plural displays ormonitors and the alternative display device in substantially the samemanner described above. With respect to the alternative display device,the reflective strips are disposed around the display device, while thesensing device is positioned to capture images encompassing the displaydevice and the reflective strips. The system is calibrated (e.g.,sensing device position, to define the alternative display device withinthe image space, etc.) and functions in substantially the same mannerdescribed above to determine the beam impact location on the alternativedisplay device.

[0078] It will be appreciated that the embodiments described above andillustrated in the drawings represent only a few of the many ways ofimplementing a firearm simulation and gaming system and method foroperatively interconnecting a firearm peripheral to a computer system.

[0079] The firearm simulation and gaming system may be utilized with anytype of firearm (e.g., hand-gun, rifle, shotgun, machine gun, soft airtype gun, blazer, etc.), while the laser module maybe fastened to thefirearm at any suitable locations via any conventional or otherfastening techniques (e.g., frictional engagement with the barrel,brackets attaching the device to the firearm, etc.). Further, the systemmay include a dummy firearm projecting a laser beam, or replaceablefirearm components (e.g., a barrel) having a laser device disposedtherein for firearm training. The replaceable components may furtherenable training with blank cartridges. The laser device maybe utilizedfor firearm training on objects other than the displays.

[0080] The laser assembly may include the laser module and rod or anyother fastening device. The laser module may emit any type of laser beamwithin suitable safety tolerances. The laser module housing may be ofany shape or size, and may be constructed of any suitable materials. Theopening may be defined in the projection or directly in the modulehousing at any suitable locations to receive the rod. Alternatively, thehousing and rod may include any conventional or other fastening devices(e.g., integrally formed, threaded attachment, hook and fastener,frictional engagement with the opening, etc.) to attach the module tothe rod. The optics package may include any suitable lens for projectingthe beam in a cross-hair or other configuration at any desireddispersion angle. The laser beam operating in a continuous mode may beinterrupted for any desired duration. Alternatively, the laser beamoperating in a pulsed mode may be enabled in response to triggeractuation for any desired interval sufficient for the photodetectors tosense the beam. The laser beam may be visible or invisible (e.g.,infrared), may be of any color or power level, may have a pulse of anydesired duration in pulsed mode and may be modulated in any fashion(e.g., at any desired frequency or unmodulated) or encoded in any mannerto provide any desired information. The laser module may be fastened toa firearm or other similar structure (e.g., a dummy, toy or simulatedfirearm) at any suitable locations (e.g., external or internal of abarrel) and be interrupted or actuated by a trigger or any other device(e.g., power switch, firing pin, relay, etc.). The laser assembly powerswitch may be implemented by any conventional or other power switch andbe disposed at any suitable location on the assembly and/or firearm.

[0081] The laser module may be configured in the form of ammunition forinsertion into a firearm firing or similar chamber and interrupt acontinuous laser beam or project a laser beam pulse in response totrigger actuation. Alternatively, the laser module may be configured fordirect insertion into the barrel without the need for the rod. The lasermodule may include any type of sensor or detector (e.g., acousticsensor, piezoelectric element, accelerometer, solid state sensors,strain gauge, etc.) to detect mechanical or acoustical waves or otherconditions signifying trigger actuation. The laser module components maybe arranged within the housing in any fashion, while the module powersource may be implemented by any quantity or type of batteries.Alternatively, the module may include an adapter for receiving powerfrom a common wall outlet jack or other power source.

[0082] The laser transmitter rod may be of any shape or size, and may beconstructed of any suitable materials. The rod may include dimensions toaccommodate any firearm caliber. The rings may be of any shape, size orquantity and may be constructed of any suitable materials. The rings maybe disposed at any locations along the rod and may be implemented by anydevices having adjustable dimensions. The stop may be of any shape orsize, may be disposed at any suitable locations along the rod and may beconstructed of any suitable materials. The post may be of any shape orsize, may be disposed at any suitable locations on the rod, and may beconstructed of any suitable materials. The post or rod may include anyconventional or other fastening devices to attach the laser module tothe rod.

[0083] The detector arrays and reflective strips may be of any quantity,shape or size, may be constructed of any suitable materials and may becompletely or partially disposed about the display screen or alternativedisplay device in any desired fashion via any conventional or otherfastening techniques (e.g., adhesives, hooks, brackets, etc.). Forexample, rather than providing four detector arrays or strips arrangedaround the rectangular display screen or alternative display device inthe exemplary embodiments, two or more detector arrays or strips couldbe provided on appropriate sides of the screen or alternative displaydevice to determine the beam impact location, user range as well as thecant of the firearm. The arrays may include any quantity of anyconventional or other types of photodetectors or light sensing devices.Alternatively, the arrays may include any type of detectors for sensingany type of emitted energy. The laser beam position may be determined inany fashion when plural detectors within an array sense the beam (e.g.,midpoint, average, weighted values, etc.).

[0084] The detector casings and coverings may be of any shape or sizeand may be constructed of any suitable materials. The detector arraysmay provide any types of signals (e.g., digital or analog) formatted inany fashion to indicate photodetectors sensing the laser beam. Thedetectors may connect to any portions and/or ports (e.g., serial,parallel, USB., etc.) of the computer system. The filter may beconstructed of any suitable materials and may be implemented by anyfilter capable of enhancing the signal to noise ratio. The reflectivestrips may be made of any material capable of reflecting light or otherenergy for detection by the sensing device. The laser beam cross-hairand range lines may alternatively be sensed in various manners. Forexample, a thin overlay, preferably constructed of fiber optic material,may be placed over a display with leads extending to detectors. Thedetectors sense the cross-hair and/or range line beams as describedabove. This type of overlay may be contained with an anti-glare screen.In addition, sensors may be placed on the firearm and directly transmitthe firearm position, cant and/or barrel velocity to the computersystem.

[0085] The sensing device maybe implemented by any conventional or othersensing device (e.g., camera, CCD, matrix or array of light sensingelements, etc.) suitable for detecting the laser beam and/or capturing atarget image. The sensing device may employ any type of light sensingelements, and may utilize a grid or array of any suitable dimension. Thesensing device may be of any shape or size, and may be constructed ofany suitable materials. The sensing device may be positioned at anysuitable locations and at any desired viewing angle relative to thedisplay screen or alternative display device. The sensing device may becoupled to any port of the computer system via any conventional or otherdevice (e.g., cable, wireless, etc.). The sensing device may providecolor or black and white (e.g., gray scale) images to the computersystem and have any desired frame rate. Alternatively, the sensingdevice may include processing circuitry to detect beam impact locationson the strips and provide coordinates of those locations to the computersystem or determine and provide coordinates of the beam impact locationon the display screen or alternative display device. The sensing devicemaybe configured to detect any energy medium having any modulation,pulse or frequency. Similarly, the laser may be implemented by atransmitter emitting any suitable energy wave. The detector arrays andsensing device may transmit any type of information to the computersystem to indicate beam impact locations, while the computer system mayprocess any type of information from the detector arrays and sensingdevice to determine beam impact locations.

[0086] The user screens maybe arranged in any fashion and contain anytype of information. The various parameter or other values may bedisplayed on the screens in any manner (e.g., charts, bars, etc.) and inany desired form (e.g, actual values, percentages, etc.), while any ofthe values displayed on the screens may be adjusted by the user via anydesired input mechanisms. The mechanical calibration screen may includeany quantity of any types of alignment and/or position indicia of anyshape, color or size to facilitate alignment of the sensing device withthe monitor or alternative display device. Alternatively, the computersystem image may be adjusted for alignment with the sensing deviceand/or alternative display device. The display screen or alternativedisplay device may be defined within the captured image in any desiredmanner via any suitable input mechanisms. The display screen oralternative display device may be defined at any suitable locationswithin the captured image or window, while the selected locations may beindicated by any quantity of any types of indicia of any shape, color orsize. Alternatively, the display screen or alternative display devicedefinition may be accomplished automatically by displaying orpositioning any quantity of indicia of any color, shape or size on thedisplay screen or alternative display device at any suitable locationsto define the display screen or alternative display device for thecomputer system.

[0087] The density value may be determined with any weights having anydesired value or types of values (e.g., integer, real, etc.). Theweights and pixel component values may be utilized in any desiredcombination to produce a pixel density. Alternatively, any quantity ofpixel values within any quantity of images may be manipulated in anydesired fashion (e.g., accumulated, averaged, multiplied by each otheror weight values, etc.) to determine the presence and location of a beamimpact within an image. Further, any quantity of density and/or pixelvalues within any quantity of images maybe manipulated in any desiredfashion (e.g., accumulated, averaged, multiplied by each other or weightvalues, etc.) to determine the threshold and light conditions. Thethreshold may be determined periodically or in response to any desiredlight or other conditions (e.g., light conditions are outside anydesired range or have any desired change in value, etc.), and may be setby the computer system and/or user to any desired value.

[0088] The reflective strip system may alternatively utilize gray scaleor any type of color images (e.g., pixels having gray scale, RGB orother values) and manipulate any quantity of pixel values within anyquantity of images in any desired fashion to determine the threshold,light conditions and presence and location of a beam impact. The beamimpacts identified on each strip may be manipulated in any fashion(e.g., average, select a particular location relative to the screen,etc.) to determine a representative location on that strip. Therepresentative locations may further be combined in any fashion todetermine an impact location on the display screen or alternativedisplay device. Alternatively, the beam impact locations from the stripsmay be collectively processed utilizing any conventional or othertechniques to determine a beam impact location on the display screen oralternative display device. The conversion between the image spaces maybe performed at any desired point in the processing to determine thebeam impact location. For example, the processing may be performed todetermine a beam impact in the trapezoidal image space and thenconverted, or each coordinate of a beam impact may be converted from thetrapezoidal image space prior to determination of the beam impact. Thecomputer system may analyze any suitable portion or the entirety of thecaptured images to determine the beam impact location.

[0089] The reflective strip system may be configured for use with atransmitter emitting a laser beam having any desired pulse width, andmay provide any type of message or other indication when the pulse widthof a laser beam detected by the system is not compatible with the systemconfiguration. The reflective strip system may be configured to detectand process beam impact locations at any desired shot rate. Thereflective strip system may utilize any conventional or other techniquesto convert between the various image spaces, and may compensate for anydesired sensing device position and/or viewing angle. The systems may beutilized with virtual targets scaled in any fashion to simulateconditions at any desired ranges, and may utilize lasers havingsufficient power to be detected at any desired scaled range. The systemsmay further be utilized with any type of real target of any shape orsize, where the detector arrays, reflective strips and sensing deviceare positioned relative to the target to detect beam impact locations insubstantially the same manner described above.

[0090] The systems may determine the cant, barrel velocity via anyconventional or other techniques based on the detected beam impactlocations. The systems may further measure and provide to the user anydesired firearm activity characteristics. The computer system maydisplay any types of virtual targets, while the alternative displaydevice may be of any shape or size, may be disposed at any suitablelocation, and may be constructed of any suitable materials. Thealternative display device may include electronic ink devices,projection devices or any other device providing a target and display ona support structure.

[0091] The computer system maybe implemented by any type of personal orother computer or processor. The computer system may include any type oftraining, gaming and/or simulation software and operatively interconnectthe firearm for interaction with the software. This software may beavailable on any type of storage medium (e.g., CD-ROM, floppy disk,etc.), or may be downloaded from a network (e.g., Internet). Thesoftware for calibrations and/or determining beam impact locations forthe systems may be included within training and/or gaming applicationsoftware and/or be within one or more independent software modules toprovide calibration and/or detection information to those softwareapplications. The systems may display targets and/or beam impactlocations and provide scoring and feedback similar to the trainingsystems disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.60/210,595, entitled “Firearm Laser Training System and MethodFacilitating Firearm Training with Various Targets” and filed Jun. 9,2000, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application having Docket No.0208.0047C, entitled “Firearm Laser Training System and MethodFacilitating Firearm Training with Visual Feedback of SimulatedProjectile Impact Locations” and filed Jan. 10, 2001, the disclosures ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0092] The computer system maybe coupled to any quantity of any types ofdisplay devices for displaying virtual targets. For example, the virtualtarget may be displayed on a monitor for the computer system or on anyother generally flat surface, such as a wall. The virtual target mayalso be of any shape or configuration and may include any type ofindicia with any form of scoring zones or factors associated with theindicia. Further, the systems may detect the user range via any rangedetection devices (e.g., ultrasound, overlapping beams, etc.), while therange beams may be of any quantity, shape, size or configuration and maybe projected in any manner and at any position relative to the emittedcross-hair or beam. The computer system may be connected to any type ofnetwork to accommodate plural users for training, competition or gamingactivities. The computer system may further be connected to pluralmonitors and/or alternative display devices via any connection devices(e.g., cables) or ports (e.g., video, etc.) each having detectiondevices (e.g., the detector array or sensing device and strips) to serveas a host to process and accommodate plural users. The computer systemmay employ plural monitors having detection devices for trainees toenable an instructor to control and monitor trainees from the computersystem during firearm activities. The computer system may further employa camera or other image device to enable remote viewing of firearmactivity by an expert and enable on-line feedback from that expert.

[0093] It is to be understood that the software for the computer systemmay be implemented in any desired computer language and could bedeveloped by one of ordinary skill in the computer arts based on thefunctional descriptions contained in the specification and flow chartillustrated in the drawings. The computer system may alternatively beimplemented by any type of hardware and/or other processing circuitry.The various functions of the computer system may be distributed in anymanner among any quantity of software modules, processing systems and/orcircuitry (e.g., including those within the sensing device). Thesoftware and/or algorithms described above and illustrated in the flowchart maybe modified in any manner that accomplishes the functionsdescribed herein.

[0094] From the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that theinvention makes available a novel firearm simulation and gaming systemand method for operatively interconnecting a firearm peripheral to acomputer system wherein the system detects and determines the locationof a laser beam projected onto a virtual target within a computer systemdisplay from a laser transmitter assembly secured to an actual or mockfirearm for training or gaming applications.

[0095] Having described preferred embodiments of a new and improvedfirearm simulation and gaming system and method for operativelyinterconnecting a firearm peripheral to a computer system, it isbelieved that other modifications, variations and changes will besuggested to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings set forthherein. It is therefore to be understood that all such variations,modifications and changes are believed to fall within the scope of thepresent invention as defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sensing device to detect an impact location ofa laser beam on a target relative to an intended target site, whereinsaid laser beam is emitted by a laser transmitter assembly secured to afirearm and projecting the laser beam in a direction in which saidfirearm is aimed, said sensing device comprising: a plurality of lightprocessing elements disposed on said target outside the confines of saidintended target site to receive portions of the laser beam projectedtoward said intended target site and to provide impact locationinformation to a processor to facilitate determination of a laser beamimpact location within said intended target site.
 2. The sensing deviceof claim 1, wherein said plurality of light processing elements includesan array of detectors disposed on said target outside the confines ofsaid intended target site.
 3. The sensing device of claim 2, whereineach detector in said array is positioned to detect the laser beamportions in a direction transverse to the direction in which the laserbeam is projected by said laser transmitter assembly.
 4. The sensingdevice of claim 1, wherein said light processing elements include stripsof reflective material disposed on said target outside the confines ofsaid intended target site to reflect the received laser beam portions,and said sensing device further includes a detector to scan said stripsand detect the reflected laser beam portions.
 5. A firearm simulationsystem comprising: a target having an intended target site; a lasertransmitter assembly securable to a firearm, wherein said lasertransmitter assembly projects a laser beam in a direction in which saidfirearm is aimed; a sensing device to receive portions of the laser beamprojected toward said intended target site, wherein said sensing deviceincludes light processing elements disposed on said target and outsidethe confines of said intended target site; and a processor incommunication with said sensing device to receive impact locationinformation from said sensing device and to determine an impact locationof the laser beam within said intended target site.
 6. The firearmsimulation system of claim 5, wherein said light processing elementsinclude at least one array of detectors disposed on said target outsidethe confines of said intended target site.
 7. The firearm simulationsystem of claim 6, wherein each detector in said array is positioned todetect the laser beam portions in a direction transverse to thedirection in which the laser beam is projected by said laser transmitterassembly.
 8. The firearm simulation system of claim 6, wherein eachdetector array includes a filter to enhance the signal to noise ratio ofthe laser beam.
 9. The firearm simulation system of claim 5, whereinsaid light processing elements include strips of reflective materialdisposed on said target outside the confines of said intended targetsite to reflect the received laser beam portions, and said sensingdevice includes a detector to scan said strips and detect the reflectedlaser beam portions.
 10. The firearm simulation system of claim 9,wherein said processor is disposed within one of said detector and acomputer system in communication with said detector.
 11. The firearmsimulation system of claim 5, wherein said laser transmitter assemblyincludes a lens to disperse and project the laser beam as a cross-hairimage with end portions of cross hair image components received by saidsensing device at said light processing elements.
 12. The firearmsimulation system of claim 11, wherein said lens further disperses thelaser beam to project a range line image on said intended target siteoffset from a cross-hair image component at the impact location, whereinsaid offset is proportional to a distance between said firearm and saidtarget, and wherein said sensing device detects portions of the rangeline image at said light processing elements to provide rangeinformation relating to said distance to said processor.
 13. The firearmsimulation system of claim 5, wherein said target includes a displaydevice in communication with said processor and having a display screento display a virtual target as said intended target site, wherein saidlight processing elements are disposed on said display device outsidethe confines of said display screen and said processor displays animpact location of said beam on said display screen in accordance withthe impact location information provided by said sensing device.
 14. Thefirearm simulation system of claim 13, further comprising: a pluralityof display devices in communication with said processor, wherein saidvirtual target is displayed on a display screen of each said displaydevice.
 15. The firearm simulation system of claim 5, furthercomprising: a display device in communication with said processor andhaving a display screen to display indicia representing said intendedtarget site, wherein said processor displays an icon on the indicia inaccordance with the impact location information provided by said sensingdevice.
 16. The firearm simulation system of claim 5, wherein saidtarget includes an electronic display having electronic ink anddisplaying a virtual target as said intended target site, and saidprocessor controls the electronic ink of said electronic display todisplay a simulated impact on said intended target site in accordancewith the impact location information provided by said sensing device.17. The firearm simulation system of claim 5, wherein said lasertransmitter assembly projects the laser beam in at least one of a pulsemode and a continuous mode, wherein the pulse mode projects the laserbeam for a first selected time interval in response to actuation of saidfirearm, and the continuous mode continuously projects the laser beamand is interrupted for a second selected time interval in response toactuation of said firearm.
 18. A method of detecting a laser beamprojected onto a target relative to an intended target site from a lasertransmitter assembly secured to a firearm, the method comprising thesteps of: (a) placing light processing elements of a sensing device onsaid target and outside the confines of said intended target site; (b)projecting the laser beam from said laser transmitter assembly in adirection toward said intended target site to simulate a projectilebeing fired from said firearm; (c) detecting portions of the laser beamimpacting said intended target site via said sensing device; and (d)transferring impact location information from said sensing device to aprocessor to determine an impact location of the laser beam within saidintended target site.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein said lightprocessing elements include at least one array of detectors, and step(c) further includes: (c.1) detecting portions of the laser beamimpacting said intended target site via said at least one array ofdetectors.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein step (c.1) furtherincludes: (c.1.1) detecting portions of the laser beam impacting saidintended target site in a direction transverse to the direction in whichthe laser beam is projected.
 21. The method of claim 18, wherein saidlight processing elements include strips of reflective material disposedon said target outside the confines of said intended target site toreflect the laser beam portions projected toward said intended targetsite, and wherein said sensing device includes a detector, and step (c)further includes: (c.1) detecting the laser beam portions reflected bysaid strips via said detector.
 22. The method of claim 18, wherein saidlaser transmitter assembly includes a lens to disperse the laser beamduring projection from said laser transmitter assembly, and step (b)further includes: (b.1) dispersing and projecting the laser beam as across-hair image; step (c) further includes: (c.1) detecting endportions of cross-hair image components via said sensing device; andstep (d) further includes: (d.1) transferring said impact locationinformation to said processor in accordance with the detection in step(c.1).
 23. The method of claim 22 further comprising: (e) determining anorientation of said firearm in accordance with a location of eachdetected cross-hair image component end portion.
 24. The method of claim22, wherein step (b.1) further includes: (b.1.1) dispersing the laserbeam and projecting a range line image on said intended target siteoffset from a cross-hair image component at the impact location, whereinsaid offset is proportional to a distance between said firearm and saidtarget, and said method further comprises: (e) detecting portions of therange line image at said light processing elements with said sensingdevice; and (f) transmitting range line location information to saidprocessor to determine the distance between said firearm and saidtarget.
 25. The method of claim 18, wherein said intended target siteincludes a virtual target displayed on a display screen of a displaydevice in communication with said processor, wherein said lightprocessing elements are disposed on said display device outside theconfines of said display screen, and said method further comprises: (e)inserting an icon onto said intended target site in accordance with theimpact location information provided to said processor from said sensingdevice.
 26. The method of claim 18, wherein a display device displayingindicia representing said intended target site is in communication withsaid processor, and the method further comprises: (e) inserting an iconwithin said indicia on said display device in accordance with the impactlocation information provided to said processor from said sensingdevice.
 27. The method of claim 18, wherein said target includes anelectronic display having electronic ink to display a virtual target assaid intended target site, wherein said electronic display is incommunication with said processor, and the method further comprises: (e)displaying a simulated projectile impact within said virtual target onsaid electronic display in accordance with the impact locationinformation provided from said sensing device.
 28. The method of claim18, wherein step (b) further includes: (b.1) projecting the laser beamin one of a pulse mode and a continuous mode, wherein the pulse modeprojects the laser beam for a first selected time interval in responseto firearm actuation, and the continuous mode continuously projects thelaser beam and is interrupted for a second time interval in response tofirearm actuation.
 29. The method of claim 18, further comprising (e) inresponse to said determination of an impact location, detecting portionsof the laser beam impacting the intended target site for a selected timeperiod; and (f) determining a barrel velocity of said firearm inaccordance with the selected time period and a distance traversed bysaid detected impact locations within said selected time period.
 30. Asensing device to detect an impact location of a laser beam on a targetrelative to an intended target site, said sensing device comprising:light processing means disposed on said target outside the confines ofsaid intended target site for receiving portions of the laser beamprojected toward said intended target site and for providing impactlocation information to a processor to facilitate determination of alaser beam impact location within said intended target site; andsecuring means for securing said light processing means to said target.31. The sensing device of claim 30, wherein said light processing meansincludes detecting means for detecting the laser beam portions in adirection transverse to the direction in which the laser beam impactssaid intended target site.
 32. The sensing device of claim 30, whereinsaid light processing means includes reflecting means for reflecting thelaser beam portions, and said sensing device includes detecting meansfor detecting the reflected laser beam portions.
 33. A firearmsimulation system comprising: a target having an intended target site;laser transmitting means secured to a firearm for projecting a laserbeam in a direction in which said firearm is aimed; sensing means forreceiving portions of the laser beam projected toward said intendedtarget site, wherein said sensing means includes light processing meansdisposed on said target outside the confines of said intended targetsite for manipulating said received laser beam portions; processingmeans for processing impact location information received from saidsensing means.
 34. The firearm simulation system of claim 33, whereinsaid light processing means includes detecting means for detectingportions of the laser beam in a direction transverse to the direction inwhich the laser beam impacts said intended target site.
 35. The firearmsimulation system of claim 33, wherein said light processing meansincludes reflecting means for reflecting said received portions of thelaser beam, and said sensing means includes detecting means fordetecting the reflected laser beam portions.
 36. The firearm simulationsystem of claim 33, wherein said laser transmitting means includesdispersing means for dispersing and projecting the laser beam as across-hair image with end portions of cross-hair image componentsdetected by said sensing means at said light processing means.
 37. Thefirearm simulation system of claim 36, wherein said dispersing meansincludes range means for dispersing the laser beam with a range lineimage on said intended target site offset from a cross-hair imagecomponent at the impact location, wherein said offset is proportional toa distance between said firearm and said target, and wherein saidsensing means detects portions of the range line image at said lightprocessing means to provide range information relating to said distanceto said processing means.
 38. The firearm simulation system of claim 33,further comprising: displaying means for electronically displaying saidintended target site as a virtual target, wherein said displaying meansis in communication with said processing means and provides indicia oversaid virtual target corresponding to the laser beam impact location. 39.The firearm simulation system of claim 33, wherein said lasertransmitting means includes pulse mode means for selectively projectingthe laser beam for a first selected time interval in response to firearmactuation, and continuous mode means for selectively continuouslyprojecting the laser beam and being interrupted for a second timeinterval in response to firearm actuation.
 40. An interface device tooperatively interconnect a firearm to a computer system, wherein saiddevice detects an impact location of a laser beam on a computer systemdisplay device relative to an intended target site in the form of acomputer generated virtual target, and said laser beam is emitted by alaser transmitter assembly secured to said firearm and projecting thelaser beam in a direction in which said firearm is aimed, said interfacedevice comprising: a plurality of light processing elements disposed onsaid display device to receive portions of the laser beam projectedtoward said virtual target and to provide impact location information tosaid computer system to facilitate determination of a laser beam impactlocation within said virtual target.
 41. The interface device of claim40, wherein said plurality of light processing elements includes anarray of detectors disposed on said display device.
 42. The interfacedevice of claim 40, wherein said light processing elements includestrips of reflective material disposed on said display device to reflectthe received laser beam portions, and said interface device furtherincludes a detector to scan said strips and detect the reflected laserbeam portions.
 43. A method of interfacing a firearm to a computersystem, wherein a laser transmitter assembly secured to said firearmprojects a laser beam in a direction toward a computer system displaydevice having an intended target site in the form of a computergenerated virtual target, said method comprising the step of: (a)operatively interconnecting said firearm to said computer system byreceiving portions of the laser beam projected from said firearm towardsaid virtual target via a sensing device disposed on said display deviceand providing impact location information to said computer system tofacilitate determination of a laser beam impact location within saidvirtual target.
 44. The method of claim 43, wherein said sensing deviceincludes an array of detectors disposed on said display device, and step(a) further includes: (a.1) receiving portions of the laser beamprojected from said firearm toward said virtual target via said array ofdetectors.
 45. The method of claim 43, wherein said sensing deviceincludes strips of reflective material disposed on said display deviceand a detector, and step (a) further includes: (a.1) reflecting saidreceived portions of the laser beam via said strips disposed on saiddisplay device and scanning said strips via said detector to detect thereflected laser beam portions.
 46. An interface device to operativelyinterconnect a firearm to a computer system, wherein said device detectsan impact location of a laser beam on a computer system display devicerelative to an intended target site in the form of a computer generatedvirtual target, and said laser beam is emitted by a laser transmitterassembly secured to said firearm and projecting the laser beam in adirection in which said firearm is aimed, said interface devicecomprising: light processing means disposed on said display device forreceiving portions of the laser beam projected toward said virtualtarget and for providing impact location information to said computersystem to facilitate determination of a laser beam impact locationwithin said virtual target; and securing means for securing said lightprocessing means to said display device.
 47. The interface device ofclaim 46, wherein said light processing means includes an array ofdetectors disposed on said display device.
 48. The interface device ofclaim 46, wherein said light processing means includes reflecting meansdisposed on said display device for reflecting the received laser beamportions and detecting means for scanning said reflecting means anddetecting the reflected laser beam portions.